EFL support Grenfell Tower fire victims

THE EFL and EFL Clubs are to donate a six figure sum to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in a show of solidarity from the football family towards those impacted by the recent tragedy in London.

Earlier today, the Football Association (FA) announced plans to raise £1.25 million in support of those affected by the fire with funds from the 2017 Community Shield plus other donations to be dedicated to the cause.

Following discussions with the FA, EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey has agreed a commitment whereby the EFL and its Member Clubs will collectively make a donation of £175,000 to the appeal.

EFL Clubs have been asked to contribute their share of the proceeds from the 2017 FA Community Shield, with the EFL topping up the total amount to provide aid and support to those who have suffered through the tragic events at Grenfell Tower.

The FA Community Shield raises hundreds of thousands of pounds every year, with funds provided through Clubs for distribution to community-based initiatives and charities up and down the country.

EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “First and foremost, loved ones have been lost and homes destroyed so our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. Tributes must also be made to the emergency services who bravely risked their lives to save others.

“In donating funds from the 2017 FA Community Shield, the football family is coming together to make a significant commitment to the cause. Such compassion and commitment is testament to the good will within football and the values it maintains in supporting communities in their times of need.”

QPR’s Director of Football Les Ferdinand, who was brought up in the neighbourhood, is delighted to see the EFL club’s come together to show their support, commenting: “It’s fantastic to see the EFL club’s showing their support for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

“Everyone at QPR was shocked and saddened to see the tragic events unfold at Grenfell Tower, a mile away from Loftus Road.

“For me it was personal, as the tower is right next to the estate where I grew up.

“QPR, our owners, and everyone connected to the club immediately pulled together to offer our stadium as a collection point for donations, and we were inundated not just with food, clothing, bedding, toys and toiletries, but with dozens of volunteers to sort through it.

“I’m incredibly proud of the West London community response and would particularly like to thank the QPR fans and local residents who gave their time to help at the stadium.

“Earlier this week we sent several vanloads of donations to where they are needed, and over the next few months and years we stand ready to help those people affected as they recover from the loss of their homes and their loved ones.

“For me, this is what it means for us to be a community club, and we will do whatever we can to help.”